Yoke Mar 2010
“Epaphras the Esteemed”
Colossians 1:7-8; 4:12-13
Recently while teaching the book of Colossians in two separate Bible Conferences, I was intrigued again by the little known, yet mighty men of God in the life of the Apostle Paul. (Colossians 4:7-18) From this highly treasured file we see an exquisite cameo shot of Epaphras. He is mentioned only here twice and in Philemon 23 in all of the New Testament. From what we learn of him here he certainly was a model for ministry!
He was a native of Colossae and a zealous worker for the Lord. Through his ministry many of his fellow-countrymen had been converted, and thus, the church at Colossae had been founded. In this church as well as in all the assemblies at Laodicea and Hierapolis, Epaphras exercised a pastoral and teaching ministry. (Colossians 4:12-13) He is surely an example to follow! As a model for ministry, note his…
- I. COOPERATIVENESS
In Colossians 1:7, Paul describes him as his dear fellow-servant. He was much beloved as he labored beside Paul in cooperative fellowship. At the time the epistle was written Epaphras was with Paul in prison having visited him to seek counsel concerning doctrinal errors threatening the church at Colossae. While he received much help, he no doubt gave much help to Paul, ministering to him in a number of ways. Paul had a deep affection for Epaphras.
II. faithfulness (Colossians i:7)
Paul emphasized that Epaphras was a faithful minister of Christ. He was dependable and loyal in the discharge of all of his ministry. Epaphras received his orders from the One who sat on the throne, and to Him he was faithful. He will one day hear our Lord say, Well done, thou good and faithful servant… (Matthew 25:21) Can there be a greater commendation than this?
III. TIMELINESS (Colossians 1:8)
Who also declared unto us your love… It was a timely act that brought much needed encouragement to Paul as he learned of their love through Epaphras. Knowing all the church members well at Colossae, he chose to extol their virtues and keep silent about their shortcomings. What a lesson for us all to learn. When God speaks we must respond immediately. Remember, delayed obedience is in reality disobedience.
IV. ONENESS (Colossians 4:12)
…who is one of you…He was one with the brethren, identified in perfect union and harmony. He was indeed one of them, that is, a fellow countryman, yes, but he was also one with them. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. (Psalm 133:1) We must ever strive to maintain this oneness—//’// we all come in the unity of the faith…unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12)
V. prayerfulness (Colossians 4:13)
…laboring fervently for you in prayer… Notice three characteristics of
Epaphras’ praying:
A. It was persistent prayer—always like Jacob, who declared to the heavenly visitor in the heat of battle, I will not let you go until you bless me, so Epaphras continued steadfastly in prayer. Like Elijah at Carmel praying seven times before there arose a cloud the size of a man’s hand, so Epaphras persisted in
prayer.
B. It was agonizing prayer—…laboring…, or wrestling, or quite literally, striving in agony. Here is the idea of intensity in prayer. He had learned well from Paul who had said, …remember that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears. (Acts 20:31) Above all, he was a man who agonized in prayer.
C. It was intelligent prayer—…that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. What a need in our church for such Spirit-taught praying!
VI. ZEALOUSNESS (Colossians4:13)
…He had a great zeal for you… He was out and out committed fervently to his calling to minister. Indwelt indeed was he by the One who perfectly fulfilled the Psalmist’s words, The zeal of Thine house hath eaten me up. (John 2:17 and Psalm 69:9) Epaphras had a deep concern, not only for the Christians at Colossae, but also for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Epaphras was a true missionary. Have we any concern for the millions who have never heard the gospel? Do we pray for their salvation? Do we give of our own substance for missionary work? Could we go to the mission field? May God give us all a true missionary vision! And, could you possibly be hearing that clarion call. Come over to Haiti and help us.’ The Good Shepherd Ministry awaits your reply!!!